We are so proud to offer the opportunity to see the fantastic Finnish duo, Vellamo, again at our library!

Ethereal Finnish folk with gorgeous vocals and memorable melodic hooks, ”Baptized by trolls and Norse elves.”

Vellamo is led by the performing and songwriting team of Pia Leinonen and Joni Tiala. Their music is characterized by haunting melodies, Pia's ethereal lead vocals and Joni's virtuosic guitar stylings. In Finnish mythology, Vellamo is the goddess of the sea.

Based in Kokkola, on the western coast of Finland, Vellamo
combines the rich tradition of Finnish folksong with an appealing “retro” sensibility, creating a modern folk music experience.

On their seventh visit to US, their 8 week “Northern Beat 2017– Tour” will take them from New England all the way to Pacific Northwest through 20 states and over 30 concerts.

Pia Leinonen, originally from the arctic region of Lapland, is Vellamo’s lead singer. Her exquisite voice combines her love and vast knowledge of Finnish folk music with the western singer–songwriter tradition in a unique and beautiful way. Her moving and evocative expression has been compared to other story-centric performers such as Joan Baez and Marlene Dietrich.

Joni Tiala, originally from the Finnish port of Kokkola, began playing guitar at the age of 11. His eclectic musical background includes writing and performing for theater, progressive and alternative rock and Finnish and western folk. In addition to his work in Vellamo, Joni is an accomplished theater and session musician, and is founding member of the renowned Finnish progressive rock band, Moonwagon.

In addition to shows in their homeland, Vellamo spends half of each year touring abroad; their adventures have led them throughout the United States, Europe and New Zealand.